We took Avery to Oklahoma last weekend to see her great-grandparents and extended family. We had not been since last September so we were really excited. It happened that we were going the same weekend as Homecoming in Sallisaw, OK (where Josh's parents were raised). Avery got to see her Great Granny Helen and her Bobo again. Bobo turned 87 last month. She really enjoyed him! We had a blast and here are a few pics of our adventure.
The morning after we arrived. Bobo had an old phone for the kids to play with. She loved it!!
Avery all dressed in her Black Diamonds shirt...she has school spirit!!! The back of her shirt said "Avery" on it...thank you to Grandma and Aunt Susie!! Before the game in addition to the Homecoming court, they wanted past Homecoming Queens to return. Josh's mom was a Homecoming Queen so we got to see her cross the field too. It was such a special experience to see the team-spirit and how the town rallies around the football team. The unique part of their Homecoming is they announce the Queen the week prior. The day of the game there is a pep rally at the Elementary with the football players and Homecoming court present. Then there is a parade in the center of town and Pep Rally at the stadium for the students. Then the game happens that night.
After the pep rally, we went to see Avery's second and third cousins, Kristen and Michaela on their float. Kristen is the pretty girl between the two megaphones smiling. Michaela is the adorable one on the left end with her poms near her face. Avery loved both of these girls!!
Some of the football team during the parade on an old Firetruck. How cool is this! Josh's uncle, Gus, was the Fire Chief in Sallisaw. He passed away after fire in 1994. The fire station is named in honor of him. It is really special!
Our little family. Me....27 weeks pregnant!
Josh's parents with Granny Helen and Avery and I. I tried to find an orange Sallisaw shirt the day of the game, but all the stores were sold out...ok, maybe not sold out but not sized for a pregnant mommy!
Avery in her cute dress from Avery's cousins, Donna Kay and Michaela. It was a little cool so we had to put a shirt and leggings under it, but she was so cute in it. This is the one time I don't mind the Texas heat because she can wear it even at home for Halloween!
Avery with Great-Granny Helen!
JR/PaPa, Josh's father, and his mom, Great Granny Helen with Avery.
Avery was obsessed with Michaela's braces. She just wanted to touch them every time we saw her. Too cute!
Avery and PaPa with cousin, Kristen...she was decked out in school spirit!!
They had about 40 plus past Homecoming Queens. I completely blanked on the release mode for my camera so I couldn't catch while Judy was walking.
Judy/Grandma with Lani (Josh's cousin, Mike's wife)...they were both Homecoming Queens.
Ok, here is the Homecoming court. It was like a mini wedding to me....the Homecoming Court were in all matching black dresses (like bridesmaids) and the Queen was dressed in a big poofy orange dress (like an orange wedding dress). Did I tell you that they were dressed in formals during the Pep Rally too? Different dresses. It was a huge event!!! Homecoming was a blast, and they beat the pants off the other team!!
Enjoying a waffle. She had already soaked herself in syrup and her shirt had to come off. She recently started saying "Cheese" when she sees the camera, though we have never told her to say that. Not sure where she picked that up.
Checking out her Bobo
Just love this picture!
Our girl is just growing up too fast....17 months already!
Boy, did Avery have a ball.
Avery loves her PaPa...she loves all of her grandparents!!
Avery's second cousins, Kristen and Matthew, were so sweet to her. She got to see all of her second cousins, but unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of all of them together. I wish I had.
I found a tootsie pop from the parade the day before...I had it in my mouth and Avery came and took it from me. I guess since she had a Dum Dum, she thought this was hers.
Another reason, it was a great weekend to visit, was the Josh's grandmother, Granny Helen, sold her liquor store that she has owned for over 40 years. She took over the store when her husband passed away. She is in her 70's and has worked so hard. JR and his sister, Diane, were helping do a final inventory before she sold the store. Congrats on Retirement, Granny Helen!!!!
Avery and her cousin, Matthew. He read her
The Nose Book about 10 times. She loved it.
Josh's cousin, Mike, was smoking chickens. Bobo loves sitting in the garage and calls it his parlor. Once we started eating food, the flies came out. Josh was hanging water bags so they would stay away. Avery couldn't wait to get on the step stool.
Avery with her second cousins, Emma and Gus (named after Josh's uncle - her Pepa).
Whew, it was a whirlwind trip...we had a ball!!! We hope it isn't a year until we return again, but we know we will have a new baby with us!
